Fetz 0 #1 Posted October 16, 2019 Is a 312-a with Kohler magnum a good tractor, also how long will motor usually last it has 1500 hours? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 12,259 #2 Posted October 16, 2019 I'm not familiar with that particular model, but others will be along that can answer your questions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 73,015 #3 Posted October 16, 2019 Generally speaking, yes. One of the more bulletproof models. Maintenance and care will be the deciding factors like most any machine. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,858 #4 Posted October 16, 2019 Welcome. One of the better engines, but there are folks that can break an anvil. If it runs well, doesn't smoke, has clean oil, then it might last a very long time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 67,084 #5 Posted October 17, 2019 @Fetz Generally speaking, it’s hard to kill that Horse, but I imagine someone could accomplish it. General maintenance is more important than the hour meter, good luck with your decision! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,553 #6 Posted October 17, 2019 I have a customer I call the "Kohler Killer". He never checks the oil. Great for repeat business but not so much for the engines. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,743 #7 Posted October 17, 2019 If you were to buy a reliable, regular use , it is hard to beat the smooth running reliable 12 HP Magnum engine. The 8spd gear drive tranny is simple and nearly bullet proof. That tractor has a simple wiring setup compared to the larger engine models. It is a great place to start...however, I agree with several of the Guys here who have already stated that it depends Much on how a particular tractor was maintained. I have a statement I use frequently, “Anything mechanical CAN fail at ANY time”. But you lessen you chances of mechanical failure when you pick a machine that has a good track record. The 312-8 has a great track record in general. @Fetz post a couple of photos of the tractor you are interested in... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,381 #9 Posted October 17, 2019 You can't always go by the hour meter, If the ignition switch was left on the hour meter will continue to run without the engine running. The key to longevity of the Kohler engine is keeping up with maintenance. Oil changes every 25 hours of operation and removing the engine tins to remove dirt and grass clippings from the cooling fins will do wonders. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,339 #10 Posted October 17, 2019 12 hours ago, ebinmaine said: Generally speaking, yes. One of the more bulletproof models. Maintenance and care will be the deciding factors like most any machine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N875ED 98 #11 Posted October 17, 2019 OK folks, bear with me here for a little reminiscing... The year was 1969, I'm 12 years old and in love with my Dad's '61 Suburban (truly why I still love these darn Horses today!) Cutting the grass on our 1/3 acre when the engine stops...with emphasis. No slow down, no smoke...just running fine one second and not the next. I'm sorry to say this today (and then, for that matter) that I had NO idea why it would do such a thing. So I push it back to the garage and for the first time in my life think about checking the oil in the engine. If I recall correctly, the dipstick in that Kohler was like an NPT pipe plug with the stick on the inside end of it...so it required a Crescent wrench to check. Did that and....what? Where's the oil?? No oil. Well, Dad's not too happy about this, considering I just shot our 8-year old Wheel Horse in the gut; I'm feeling really bad too. I loved that machine; actually my first love for any machine. So my Dad goes out and buys a Snapper riding mower. Can you believe that?....no character whatsoever and it doesn't even look like a tractor. Fortunately, he did not trade in the Suburban, so I decided to fix it myself one day after school. Unbolt the engine, bring it down into the basement, lay out some newspapers on the floor and start taking it apart. (I guess in hindsight the newspaper was rather superfluous since there was no oil to leak out.) This was my first foray into how internal combustion engines work, no shop manual or anything so detailed and unnecessary, and it was the birth into my now-lifelong love affair with gasoline engines. Anyway, about a week later and my Dad has bought some needed gaskets plus a few other parts my supreme knowledge indicated needing replacement, I put it back together since most parts really looked pretty good, put oil in it and...three pulls on the recoil and she STARTS! Hallulah! We kept that mower for a year or so, until my Dad wanted it out of the garage (remember, that darn Snapper now ruled our big 1/3 acre estate) True story....but here's the epilogue... Since that time, I've been a professional mechanical engineer at GE Aviation for 42 years (jet engines), owned 59 automobiles, 4 boats, countless RC aircraft, 5 Cessna airplanes, plus my current airplane I built myself over the course of 7 years. My personal mantra is "If it doesn't burn gasoline, I'm probably not interested". I now own two Wheel Horses and one '78 Cub Cadet (sorry), but I honestly trace my love for engines and machinery back to that one little 5 HP Kohler engine that made me think I was the Master Mechanic of lawn tractors. What I would give to have her back today. True story...first time ever written down. I figured you guys would understand. 5 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,381 #12 Posted October 17, 2019 10 minutes ago, N875ED said: True story...first time ever written down. I figured you guys would understand. Fantastic introduction! Glad your father was supportive and encouraged your curiosity. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacemakerJack 10,743 #13 Posted October 17, 2019 fantastic story! Thanks for sharing! Do you happen to have any pictures or slides of that old horse??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
N875ED 98 #14 Posted October 17, 2019 OH boy, I sure wish I had some photos of that old Horse, but I don't think any were ever taken. My Dad was not interested in machinery, and to him the Suburban was relegated to the status of a rake or shovel...just a "tool" in the garage to keep the yard in shape. Me?...it was my favorite object from my early years. Way better than a bike. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
